Freesat to add new BBC HD channels

In a bid to strengthen its free HD offering, Freesat has today confirmed the launch of five new BBC high definition channels and a new HD genre in the New Year. This will bring the total number of HD channels available on Freesat to 11 – more than any other free-to-air service.

The new channels – which will be available from 10 December – are HD versions of BBC News, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBeebies and CBBC. These will join BBC One HD and BBC Two HD, plus variants of the BBC One HD service for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Freesat will also launch an HD genre in the New Year across all existing and new HD Freesat set-top boxes and integrated digital TVs.

“This is the perfect Christmas present for Freesat customers offering more great ways to watch what will be a bumper festive season, so you can see more of the antics from The Call Centre Christmas on BBC Three HD or enjoy the delights of Mouse and Mole at Christmas Time on CBeebies HD,” said Emma Scott, Freesat’s managing director.

“And there’s more to come in the New Year with a Freesat HD genre on screen making it easier for viewers to find all this stunning HD content. We know that over 50% of homes in the UK are HD-enabled, and every week, more than four million viewers enjoy their favourite TV on Freesat.

“This is part of our continued drive to deliver the best subscription-free TV service to the UK, as we continue to add new channels and On Demand services, delivered through award winning TV products.”